Huntsman Bows Out
Jan 16, 2012 - NEWS
Today, Governor Jon Huntsman of Utah halted his campaign for the Presidency of the United States and threw his support behind Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts. Even though Governor Huntsman took third in New Hampshire, Governor Huntsman did not feel that his showing in the Granite State was strong enough to continue on in the race.
Governor Huntsman's campaign was slow to gain traction in a race that has seen almost every candidate take his turn in the spotlight only to see the bulk of the support return to Mitt Romney. As of Monday, January 16 support for Huntsman in South Carolina was polling at 6% according to RealClearPolitics.com.
When Herman Cain and Congresswoman Michele Bachmann resigned from the race, neither one endorsed a candidate and both have remained nuetral to date. Governor Huntsman decided to throw his support behind Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
America is more divided than ever, and for our nation to move forward together with new leadership and unite, the Republican Party must first unite.Today I am suspending my campaign and supporting the candidate who is best-equipped to defeat the president and return conservative leadership to the White House: Governor Mitt Romney.To our many supporters and volunteers, I offer my heartfelt thanks. Mary Kaye and I are equally humbled and amazed at the outpouring of support we’ve received from friends and complete strangers.
With the loss of Governor Huntsman, the Republican field is left with just Governor Romney and Congressman Ron Paul as the only two candidates to receive consistent support in the two contests to date. Governor Romney has taken first in both events and Congressman Paul has finished third and second in Iowa and New Hampshire respectfully.
Don't expect Governor Huntsman's resignation from the race to spur on other candidates to do the same. Governor Rick Perry of Texas will likely drop out if he has another poor showing in South Carolina, but former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum will most likely remain in the race until after Florida's primary on January 31.